Middletown man accused of trying to choke relative who wouldn't help mow the lawn

LAUREN SIEVERT

Published
12:00 am EDT, Monday, June 11, 2012

MIDDLETOWN -- A city man was charged with strangulation for allegedly choking a relative who refused to help him with lawn work, police report.

Stephen Tirone, 52, 459 Chamberlain Road, was also charged with disorderly conduct June 9. He was in court Monday and a partial protective order was issued. He is due back in court July 27.

According to police reports, a relative of Tirone's walked into the Middletown police station and reported a domestic complaint against Tirone that allegedly occurred earlier in the day. The victim said that around 11 a.m., Tirone had asked him to help out with yard work, but the victim reported telling Tirone he couldn't because he was having friends over.

Reportedly, an argument started that resulted in Tirone pushing the victim "several times" and knocking the victim to the floor. Once the victim was on the floor, Tirone got on top of him and started to choke him, the victim told police. The victim said he had to beg for air because he could not breathe and eventually Tirone got off of him.

The victim said he went outside and Tirone followed him and tried to make peace, but the victim wanted nothing to do with him and drove to Crystal Lake. Tirone reportedly followed him to Crystal Lake and again tried to make peace, but instead the victim drove to the police station.

Officers reported seeing red marks on the victim's neck, and the victim allegedly said he was tired of being abused by Tirone and wanted him arrested.

Police reported calling Tirone, who went to the police station to give a statement. Tirone allegedly admitted to getting in an argument with the victim, but said the victim had approached him in a "intimidating way" and Tirone pushed him to the floor and tried to restrain him. Tirone allegedly said he put the victim in a "full nelson" to calm him down, and when the victim asked for air, Tirone released him.

Tirone reportedly said he believes the victim is bipolar, schizophrenic and has anger management problems, and Tirone wants to get the victim help and medication to control his behavior.

Tirone was issued a summons for the charges and advised not to have any threatening or violent behavior toward the victim.